Synonyms of inquisitive

inquisitive

adjective

in-ˈkwi-zə-tiv 

as in curious

interested in what is not one's own business

an inquisitive woman who tends to everybody's business but her own

Synonyms & Similar Words

• curious
• nosey
• interested
• nosy
• prying
• officious
• intrusive
• concerned
• questioning
• quizzical
• meddlesome
• obtrusive
• snoopy
• meddling
• interrogative
• inquisitorial
• interfering
• inquisitional

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disinterested
• incurious
• indifferent
• uninterested
• uncurious
• unconcerned
• apathetic

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective inquisitive contrast with its synonyms?

The words curious and prying are common synonyms of inquisitive. While all three words mean "interested in what is not one's personal or proper concern," inquisitive suggests impertinent and habitual curiosity and persistent quizzing.

dreaded the visits of their inquisitive relatives

When can curious be used instead of inquisitive?

The meanings of curious and inquisitive largely overlap; however, curious, a neutral term, basically connotes an active desire to learn or to know.

children are curious about everything

When would prying be a good substitute for inquisitive?

The words prying and inquisitive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, prying implies busy meddling and officiousness.

prying neighbors who refuse to mind their own business

Examples of inquisitive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The firm approaches each design—from the gut reno of a historic Tribeca loft to a colorful Mexican restaurant in Brooklyn—with careful attention to detail along with an experimental, inquisitive approach to finding the best ideas for the project. —Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 12 Aug. 2024

When Mars transits the sign of the twins, these qualities are expressed through a more versatile and inquisitive lens. —Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 17 July 2024

Recognizing his neighbor was becoming overly inquisitive, Kev has been covering her electric bill for more than five years. —Jay Bulger, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2024

Read the full Scorpio Daily Horoscope Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) In an inquisitive mood? —USA TODAY, 8 Aug. 2024